How do I care for amber jewellery?

Amber is a soft organic material that benefits from gentle cleaning with a soft cloth. Keep pieces away from alcohol, perfumes, and harsh chemicals. Store amber items separately from harder gemstone jewellery to prevent surface scratches and maintain the polish.

Is butterscotch amber different from yellow amber?

Butterscotch amber refers to an opaque, pale yellow or creamy variation of fossilised tree resin. Transparent yellow amber allows light to pass through the clear golden material. Both variations occur naturally and feature prominently in antique bead necklaces and pendants.

How can I tell Victorian amber from mid-century pieces?

Victorian mountings often feature closed-back settings, intricate metalwork, and heavier gold or pinchbeck frames. Mid-century designs tend towards cleaner lines and distinct modernist settings. Examining the clasp construction and metal hallmarks helps clarify the period of manufacture.

What is raw polish amber?

Raw polish amber describes beads or stones that retain an irregular, natural contour following minimal shaping. These pieces showcase the organic exterior texture of the resin. Jewellery featuring raw polish beads emphasises the geological origins of the material over strict geometric symmetry.